The basic unit of measurement is tala, which is the distance between the hairline and the end of the lower jaw.

The tala is divided into 12 equal parts called angula (roughly equivalent to the breadth of a finger) which is further divided into eight yava (the size of a barley grain) and so on until the smallest unit, a paramu (smaller than the end of a single hair).

[5] The artisans are known as sthapathis, who are traditionally from the Vishwakarma community and have practiced metal casting for several generations.

[4] About 60 percent of the total production is exported and the statues are installed in Hindu temples built in various countries by NRIs.

[4] In 2008, the Government of Tamil Nadu applied for Geographical Indication for Swamimalai Bronze Icons.